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Monthly Archives: July 2013

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Though many may not know it, I can be very pessimistic. The grass on my side is never greener, my future isn’t always bright, and the cup is never ever half full.

I believe that pessimism stems from worry, and fear of disappointment (at least mine does).

I mean no one likes disappointment, but there are those who never look toward or count on anything because they’ve had too many incidences where things were cancelled or they just didn’t make the cut. Sure it happens to everyone, and yes we do just need to let go. But for some, these things cut deep making it difficult to let go and keep moving forward in confidence.

As a follower of Christ, worry should have no place in my life. The Bible says in Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. So when it comes to dealing with worry or disappointment that is exactly what you must do! Run to God; tell him your struggles and worries, your fears and heartaches. Once you place your trust in Him, you will see your heart and life perspective change!

Here are some verses that have been a huge encouragement to me:

Phil 4:6 (above)

Matt 6:31-34 So do not worry saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom (which is His reign in your heart) and His righteousness (to live rightly before Him), and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Jer 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I hope this post has given you that nudge needed to move toward the sunshine and/or reset your eyes on Christ!

If you don’t yet have a sweet relationship with Jesus feel free to check out my post to see how you can become a member of His family!

This is for the curious, the lost, the grieving, or the tired and heavy burdened.

Here you will find a summary of the account of Jesus, Bible verses to reference to, as well as how you can gain new life through His saving grace. Well, here it goes!

Jesus was a simple man. He was not lofty or proud, selfish or vain; in fact His humility, love, and kindness was unlike any on earth.

He left heaven and laid down His power that He may dwell on this earth like any other human; tempted and tried.

He never did anything wrong and yet He was hated. His own people did not receive Him; but, after being swayed by the religious leaders of the time, demanded His death.

He was arrested and placed on trial to which no basis for death was found, only to be handed over to be crucified by the insistence of the chief priests.

He suffered a death that satisfied the wrath of God and made atonement for all sins. He was afterwards laid in a nearby tomb.

On the third day His tomb was found empty for He had risen and later returned to heaven where He is preparing a place for those who follow Him. A place where there is no sorrow, pain, or death, but endless joy in His presence.

Philippians 2:7…but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

John 1:11 He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.

John 19:6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw Him, they shouted, “CRUCIFY! CRUCIFY!”

John 18:12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.

John 19:4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, “Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

John 19:16 Finally Pilate handed Him over to be crucified.

John 19:42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Luke 24:6 He is not here; He has risen!…

John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…

If you wish to receive Jesus as your savior, I suggest finding a solid Bible teaching church (ex: Calvary Chapel). Attend a service and they will ask if you would like the opportunity to receive Christ. You will be prayed for and most likely given a Bible to take home!

This particular soap is one of those do it all products. Some use it for their hair (which I didn’t care for in that sense), some for face and body wash, bubble bath, or dish, floor, and counter cleaner, whaaa?!

I will say that I am a California licensed Esthetician so as far as skin goes, I know my stuff. As a facial and body wash it’s great. It has a runny gel texture that bubbles up nicely to remove all the excess oils and surface impurities, and because it’s equipped with hydrating Shea Butter it won’t leave your skin feeling too dry. You will still need to moisturize after cleansing as always.

The smell is a bit heavy; if you’re a fan of scents along the lines of Sandalwood you will love this! It’s main ingredient is roasted plantain (type of African banana) peel which aids in gentle exfoliation to help keep your skin fresh and bright.

But the reason I love this product is because it serves as a great…wait for it…SHAVING GEL!!!

Because of its runny texture it gives that perfect slip for a comfortable shave. And thanks to the exfoliation it leaves your skin way smooth!

When I got engaged OUR plan was for me to work a part-time job until we had our first child; but GOD’S plan was quite different.

I used to work for a franchise (whom I won’t name here) who’s particular owner thought that throwing around schedules and cutting work days down to one a week served as great motivation; yeah….NOT!

Many times on my ‘after work’ visits to my Fiance, I would be overly stressed and angry, or in discouraged tears.

One night I was bawling my eyes out and asked if, after we were married, I could just quit and then look for another job (our previous plan was for me to stay at this place til I found work elsewhere). We prayed about it then and there with a month left til we were married.

The next day I was laid off! I had a mixed feeling of relief and rejection, mostly relief, but never fear because I knew this was God’s will for us.

I soon applied for a job only to receive a letter of rejection a couple weeks later, we didn’t care, we had marriage on the brain.

And now that we are married I am totally thankful that God has provided for us in such a way that I can stay home. ‘Settling in’ is not as easy as it sounds, nor is running a home regardless of how much preparation you have undergone. I know that for me personally, I couldn’t run our home as well if I were working; God truly does know best.

So hat’s off to all the ladies on the same boat as me, your job is unique, necessary, and deserves respect regardless of what this modern age tells you. Do not feel guilty or useless because it’s quite obvious you are needed where you are.

It’s Summer time ladies, and we’ve all been there, sitting on the beach or laying out by the pool only to be surrounded by a bunch of scantily clad women. And there you are; in your two piece that is more on the modest side, and actually pretty darn cute, and now and then you get that uncomfortable feeling that you’re either being hounded by a wolf, or criticized for your supposed lack of fashion sense.

Allow me to introduce you to Jessica Rey. She is designer and shop owner of Rey Swimwear and here you will find a short vid of her speaking about the pitfalls of beach fashion as well as the truth about modesty; plain and simple.

So please take a few minutes to watch; and prepare to be inspired to explore your own style, and be emboldened in the face of booty shorts and backless shirts (I know I was)!

That’s a phrase every church is familiar with regardless of denomination. It doesn’t matter what service or where you sit, there is always a few minutes of meeting and greeting.

Some people jump to their feet with a huge grin, ready to say hello, usually because they surround themselves with their usual crowd. Others are more reluctant, shake 1 or 2 hands, then spend the rest of the time looking around awkwardly. Some don’t even get up, and instead turn to their phones for a suddenly urgent text, or find they need to grab something DEEP inside their bottomless purses. Then there are those who have no clue who you are and yet are genuinely glad to see you; leaving you feeling welcome.

So why all the awkward tension?

God’s Word says…. ‘He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will — to the praise of His glorious grace , which He has freely given us in the One He loves (Jesus). In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace’. (Ephesians 1:5-7 NIV)

In Church you meet people from all walks of life; some people you may have things in common with, while others are your polar opposite. But for those of us there, who have turned to Christ and repented of our past sinful ways, we have one thing that unifies us…JESUS!

The blood of the Lamb is what seals our adoption. His sacrifice has become the bloodline of the church, linking us together as family.

I’m encouraged to see the few minutes of meeting and greeting quite differently now (and I hope you are too). A new comfort comes when I’m surrounded by church members; they’re family. And one day we’ll rejoice together in paradise!